Moravian University
Bethlehem, PA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Moravian University
Moravian: America's 6th oldest college, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Step into a legacy of learning at Moravian University, a distinguished private institution nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. With roots tracing back to 1742, Moravian proudly claims its place as the sixth-oldest college in the United States and holds the distinction of being the first to educate women in the original 13 colonies. This enduring commitment to education, steeped in the traditions of the Moravian Church, creates a unique academic environment where history and innovation converge.
The university's rich narrative began with separate girls' and boys' schools founded in 1742 and 1743, respectively. The Bethlehem Female Seminary, a pioneering academy for young women, evolved into the Moravian Seminary and College for Women, while the boys' schools merged to become Nazareth Hall, eventually establishing the Moravian College and Theological Seminary. These two institutions, both incorporated in 1863, finally united in 1954 to form the coeducational Moravian College. The journey culminated in 2021, when the college was elevated to university status, marking a new chapter for this historically significant institution.
Moravian University's campus experience is as unique as its history. Students often participate in the "Moravian Mile" walk, symbolizing the connection between the university's historic North and South campuses. Further cementing its historical significance, two of Moravian's buildings, the Second Single Brethren's House and the Widows' House, were inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Moravian Church Settlements—Bethlehem" in 2024. This designation not only highlights the university's profound heritage but also offers students a tangible link to global history right on campus, enriching an already vibrant academic and community life.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1742, Moravian University proudly claims to be the sixth-oldest college in the United States.
- ✦Pioneered women's education, being the first institution to educate women in the original 13 colonies.
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $177 million as of 2024, supporting its mission and growth.
- ✦Educates 2,075 undergraduates and 302 postgraduates, fostering a close-knit academic community.
- ✦Two campus buildings, the Second Single Brethren's House and the Widows' House, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 2024).
- ✦Students participate in the traditional "Moravian Mile" walk, connecting the university's North and South campuses.
- ✦A private university rooted in the Moravian Church, offering a distinctive educational philosophy.
Timeline
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